Data journalist Walt Hickey explores how movies and TV shape societal values, influence public perceptions, and impact national anxieties. From the evolution of bank heists in pop culture to the influence of action movies on law enforcement's image, the podcast delves into the hidden tales of the film industry and tax reforms.
Movies and TV significantly shape our perception of reality, influencing cultural values and societal norms.
Fictional portrayals in media can deeply influence real-world beliefs and decisions of leaders and the public.
Deep dives
The Influence of Movies and TV on Perception and Society
Movies and TV have a significant impact on our perception of the world and shape our individual and societal values. Data journalist Walt Hickey, author of the book 'You Are What You Watch,' explores how film and television play a crucial role in influencing our lives. He shares stories of how movies and TV shows have changed public opinion, affected space exploration, and even influenced governmental decisions. From the power of propaganda films to the misconceptions created by Hollywood, Hickey showcases the profound influence of media on our perceptions and behaviors.
How Movies Shaped the Perception of the War Room
The 1964 film 'Dr. Strangelove' depicted an iconic War Room that has become the popular image of where important decisions are made. Surprisingly, this fictional War Room influenced former President Ronald Reagan's belief that it actually existed. Walt Hickey highlights the power of movies to shape our perception of reality and influence leaders' understanding of the world.
The Impact of Films on Real-World Events
Film and television have the ability to transform public opinion and even influence real-world events. Hickey discusses how movies played a significant role in inspiring public interest in space exploration. Through articles, magazines, and Walt Disney's collaboration with Werner von Braun, movies like 'Man Will Conquer Space Soon' and shows like 'Disneyland' contributed to changing public sentiment about space travel and ultimately shaped America's space race.
Misconceptions Created by Movies and TV
Movies and TV often create misconceptions and inaccurate depictions of real-life events and scenarios. Hickey reveals how unrealistic portrayals of bank heists in films have influenced our understanding of these crimes. While Hollywood presents elaborate heists, the reality is that most modern-day bank robberies involve simple note passages. Hickey also uncovers how police procedurals and cop shows contribute to a misunderstanding of law enforcement and crime rates among the general public.
What we see on screen has this way of influencing our perception of the world, which makes sense because the average American spends 2 hours and 51 minutes watching movies and TV each day. That’s a whopping 19 percent of our waking hours. Walt Hickey is a data journalist and author of a new book called You Are What You Watch. In it, Walt makes a case for how much film and television shapes us as individuals and as a society, far beyond what we give it credit for.